I’ve seen some gymnasts splitting their legs 180 degrees and I’d like to do that too.
For front splits: Very deep lunges to stretch hip flexors, hamstring stretches, then get as close as you can, preferably supporting your crotch (‘sit’ on a small stool, then a yoga block, whatever supports you in the position) so that you can relax into the pose.
Best to do these after a workout while you are warm, then again before bed when you are cool, and go to your edge but not past it, that edge will move.
For straddle split, I don’t know if everyone can get those but my nearly 60 year old husband can, and mostly he just lifts weights, so maybe. Those you can practice hot or cold, and if you do the widest you can and lean forward for 5 minutes it will also relax you for sleep. So good practice for bedtime.
Basically 5-15min of stretching in the morning and evening (shorter if younger or decently flexible, longer if older or less flexible). You start with what you can do easily then go until you “feel it” then you do your best to hold it for 10-30s and relax (slow breathing). If you stop feeling it go farther (it was just muscle tensing in the way) and a couple inches more and you’ll be at your current real limit hold for 10-30s then do other stretches.
Will take 1wk to a couple months. The biggest caveat is the risk of injury for those who don’t know their bodies well or try to rush the process.
Isn’t it just a matter of slowly acclimating yourself?
Started getting into martial arts a few years ago (late in life). Stretch and train almost every day, I’m nowhere near close to being able to do a split. At some point, it definitely takes more than just practice.
I’m not saying it isn’t possible, I’ve seen guys older than me do it, but age, sex and past experience and training definitely play large factors. My wife doesn’t stretch at all, hasn’t exercised on a regular basis since she was in highschool (she was in cheer) and she could get a LOT closer to a full split than I can.
Get adopted by a ninjutsu master, train your entire childhood, then compete in the kumite for your family’s honor. Watch out for Chong Li, that fucker cheats.
Use ropes to pull your legs apart while you lay on your back on a table. Also work on the splits with each foot on a separate chair.
Use ropes to pull your legs apart while you lay on your back on a table.
[BRAZZERS]
you need to start rather young, like under 10. if you’re past a teenager its probably impossibly painful. theres videos online for training up to it.
Damn little bro - imagine thinking eleven years old was passed the point you can impact your physicality.
A lot of old folks doing yoga have gotten pretty fucking flexible with a lot of hard work.
